SouthTech rugby program gives players opportunity to grow and develop

The SouthTech Academy High School Rugby program in Boynton Beach is allowing students to learn a new sport while creating opportunities to receive college scholarships.

The program, which started in 2021, has continued to grow and consists of more than 70 boys and girls under the direction of coach Sean Simon. They started the program with touch rugby before advancing to tackle rugby.

“It makes SouthTech different,” Simon said. “There are not many high schools that have rugby. We are in a position to really attract students to our charter school from public schools to play rugby. There are all kinds of opportunities for these kids when it comes to rugby and a lot of growth at the varsity scholarship college level. It’s great for the kids to enrich their lives and to have the time of their life. We want them to build great relationships and friendships that are really meaningful.”

The SouthTech Rugby program practices twice each week on the school’s campus and will play their home games at Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach. They have the most U19 registered high school players in the state. They participate in tournaments during the summer, a preseason schedule in the fall and scheduled games during the season from January to April. They have traveled to compete against other high school and club teams throughout South Florida, including against Cardinal Gibbons High School as well as stops in Wellington and Boca Raton against club teams formed with players from different high schools.

“The fact that rugby is unique is exactly what draws and attracts students to rugby,” Simon said. “We have a lot of fringe athletes out there who are perfectly capable of playing mainstream sports that are just disinterested in them. We present them with something they have never seen before and they want to come out and give it a try, and most of them get hooked. It keeps them outside in a structured environment. It also allows them to release a lot of energy that might otherwise be stored if they are sitting inside.”

The SouthTech Rugby program has produced multiple players who have received college scholarships to play varsity rugby at St. Thomas University in Miami.

SouthTech players participated with the USA Rugby South U16 All-Stars team during the Tropical 7s high performance tournament, which provided the athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent for recruitment for colleges.

SouthTech will also have select players compete in the All-Florida High School Lady Jaguars Girls All-Stars exhibition match against the Cayman Islands National Girls U19 team at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale at 4 p.m. April 27. The match will serve as an opener for the Major League Rugby game between the Miami Sharks and Dallas Jackals.

“This is major exposure at a professional venue and event,” Simon said.

Simon, who is in his 13th year at SouthTech, has enjoyed coaching the rugby program since it was implemented over the last three years. He was a walk-on rugby player in college and had also previously been involved as coach in the sport for several years.

“The hardest part of starting a program is starting from complete scratch without experienced and veteran players,” he said. “It’s all about building blocks and teaching them the pieces of a puzzle. They need to have faith and eventually you will put it all together. It’s about making sure the drills are fun enough and that they believe in you and they will come back. I am lucky I have a lot of support here from the administration. It’s been priceless having coaches from our faculty on board. We also have alumni who have come back and it’s been wonderful to have that help.”

Marie Sylvestre, a Medical Academy senior at SouthTech, has participated with the rugby program for three years.

“I was a beginner and I didn’t know anything about rugby when I started,” she said. “I like being able to show my force and aggressiveness. It’s good exercise. We have a lot of positive vibes from our coaches. It’s fun and nice to meet other people. We all love each other and we are like a family.”

Alvaughn Styles, an Information Technology Academy junior at SouthTech, has been a member of the rugby team since his freshman year.

“My friends recommended it to me and I love it,” he said. “I like the competitiveness out there. It’s a brotherhood. It’s been a great experience.”

Josh Wigelsworth, South Tech Director of Career Academies, said the rugby program has been a great way for students to meet each other.

“It’s great for us to give them opportunities and to watch them grow and develop,” he said. “It’s nice to bring these kids together from all different career academies.”

SouthTech Academy, 6161 W. Woolbright Road, will be hosting an open house from 7 to 8:30 a.m. April 30. Call 561-369-7040.